New Zealand Juniors take 10th at Worlds
NEW ZEALAND 6 vs. 15 AUSTRALIA
Australia have broken free of the fearless Kiwis after being held to a draw with less than half of the match left to play.
(2:3, 2:2, 1:5, 1:5)
TEAM: Grace Tobin, Ema Carević (1), Taylor Sheehan, Liana Dance (2), Katie McKenty, Sarah Doyle (1), Emily Nicholson (1), Annabel Harman (1), Jessica Milicich, Ricci Ferigo.
New Zealand came up against Australia in the ultimate Trans-Tasman clash for 9th place at the FINA World Women’s Water Polo Championships in Volos, Greece on Saturday.
Australian captain Ellodie Ruffin opened proceedings for the match with a goal from range, and consistent Kiwi Annabel Harman shot one back to score her tenth goal of the tournament in six games.
It was up and down the pool for four minutes until the Aussies earned an exclusion that saw them score through the arms of the Kiwi defence for 1-2. Sarah Doyle swam in close to the goal and hurled it into the back of the net for level some 21 seconds later. The Kiwis knew they needed a solid defence as Australia encroached on their half in the final possession of the quarter, but Australia’s Ruffin managed to net one with 0:02 seconds left on the clock.
An Australian defender looks to block the long-armed shot of Annabel Harman (photo: volos2015.com)
After the quarter break, Liana Dance kicked into gear to level at 3-3 with another brilliant goal from centre forward, and her tenth of the championships alongside Harman. Mutafyan scored to edge out 3-4, and then Australian coach Eddie Denis received a yellow card.
Captain Ruffin scored her third for Australia from distance for a two-goal lead at 3-5.
Emily Nicholson raced down the pool in the dying seconds of the half to score a counterattack goal past the arms of Australia’s Tyler Baillie to bring it back within one heading into halftime. The Kiwis stepped up in the second for what was a 2all quarter.
Arms a-plenty as the Kiwis try to stop an Aussie attack (photo: volos2015.com)
New Zealand captain Ema Carević quickly drew level for 5-5 to the loud applause of the handful of Kiwi supporters. A string of goals saw Aussie retain the lead and stretch it to five in as many minutes. The Kiwis faced 5-10 down with eight minutes to make it up in the last quarter.
After a fiery final break the Kiwis came out hot and Liana Dance emerged as New Zealand's top goal scorer to narrow the gap to four. But momentum burnt out and fatigue began to set in after six games in six days, and Australia took it home for a final score of 6-15.
"The first half we played really well," said captain Ema Carević, "our defence was strong and from there we were able to find the goal on attack."
"Unfortunately in the second half our defence wasn't as great, and attack turned a bit average." added Carević.
New Zealand can be proud of their performance, keeping a quality nation – that is renowned for its professional programme – to a level score with less than half of the match remaining. The Kiwis must keep their heads held high and remember that Australia came within three and two goals of Canada and Spain, both of whom are in the semifinals.
"Overall we are super happy with 10th and proud of everything we have achieved."
NEW ZEALAND: 10th at the FINA World Women's Junior Water Polo Championships in Volos, Greece
"We are proud of ourselves and have improved drastically over the duration of the tournament and are inspired by the incredible players at this level." wrote the team collectively.
TOURNAMENT SUMMARY:
1: NZL 9-16 BRA
2: NZL 7-17 HUN
3: NZL 9-5 RSA
4: NZL 10-18 RUS
5: NZL 12-9 MEX
6: NZL 6-15 AUS
GOALS: Liana Dance (11), Annabel Harman (10), Ema Carević (9), Grace Tobin (8), Katie McKenty, Emily Nicholson, Ricci Ferigo (4), Sarah Doyle (2), Taylor Sheehan (1).
The New Zealand Junior Women would like to thank their sponsors: Eichardt's Private Hotel, Diapolo, Under Armour New Zealand, CBRE, SHARP, Altaine, and Murdoch Newell for their support and generous donations to help the team get to where they stand today.
